Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Arts in Christian Formation

The Master of Arts in Christian Formation (MACF) is an accredited, 48-credit-hour master's degree designed to equip leaders for ministries focused on Christian formation, discipleship, and spiritual growth in congregational and educational settings.

Program Overview

The MACF program is offered as a part-time, cohort-driven program, with a duration of four years. The program is designed to provide a foundation in Bible, theology, Christian history, spiritual formation, and ministry practice, alongside specialized electives in Christian education and intercultural engagement.

Courses and Requirements

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• CEDF 5100 Christian Education and Formation In the Church
• BIBL 6290 Intercultural Readings of the Bible The program requires the completion of 48 credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Time to Completion

The program is designed to be completed in four years, with a part-time schedule. The degree is offered as a distance program, with online coursework and annual in-person immersion experiences.

Ordination

The Master of Arts in Christian Formation is the principal ministerial degree for those seeking Ordination to Word & Service—specialized church ministry—with the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Distance or Local

The program is completed as a distance student, with online coursework and annual in-person immersion experiences.

Program Structure

The program includes:

• Monday Night Classes: Live online courses meet for 1.5 hours each Monday night.
• Fall Intensive: A week of in-person classes and cohort connection at the cohort base camp.
• Covenant Midwinter Conference: Students attend the conference for pastors, with a course intensive and conference events.
• Summer Intensives: Students attend in-person courses and engage with North Park faculty and staff at the Chicago Campus.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program offers a cohort funding model, with a 50% tuition discount from North Park Theological Seminary, a 25% financial commitment from the sponsoring congregation, and a 25% remaining student responsibility.

Application Requirements and Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entrance to the seminary master's degree or graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Application Process

The application process includes:

• Completing the master's degree online application
• Providing three recommendations: pastor, church committee, and faculty or colleague
• Submitting essay questions
• Providing official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended

Additional Information

• Cohorts begin in the Fall term only.
• The program is open to students from any conference.
• Church sponsorship is available, with details provided upon inquiry.
• The time commitment per week and per year varies, with approximately 3 hours of weekly personal reading and study per credit hour.